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MK4 DIY Big Brake Kit

I am interested in upgrading the pathetic lil Mk4 brakes on my 1.8T. More aesthetics than functionality because the rears look plain sad with 19s on. Of course the additional brake bite will be nice too.

Besides GLI calipers and carriers which are the cheap alternative to larger brakes and besides splurging on Willwood which are the cheapest big brake alternative NEW - what will be some alternatives if I were to source components from salvage yards, part outs etc.

This would be for the front and rear of course. I also think that anything beyond 13-13.3 for the fronts are overkill for a FWD car that is yes, an auto and making less than 300hp.

I agree with you guys that the GLI setup is the most cost effective - but while the rotors are decent size, the calipers are still the same IIRC and only differ by the carriers. After having the s4 and 4pot clamping power (and looks), I think Liam's suggestion of the Boxster brakes would be a good look. So, do I just source out the calipers and rotors, does it need any other hardware (I would get stainless lines anyways) ?

For your usage, you don't need 4 piston calipers. It's not a track car, and doesn't need fixed calipers with more pistons. You would be fine (even with track duty) using stock sized brakes with good blank rotors and better brakes pads.

If you're doing it for the bling of having 4 piston calipers, then you're going to have to pay to play. Boxster calipers won't be cheap by any means, and without changing the master cylinder / proportioning valve(s) you're throwing off the brake bias by running front calipers that weren't designed for the brake system.

That's just fronts too, you're looking at at least $2000-$2500 for brakes all around if you go that route. If you go 337/20th/gli you'll probably get everything for under $600 easily, and won't pay out the ass for new rotors. If you want better feel, replace the flex lines with braided lines.

Light travels faster than sound, so people may appear to be bright until you hear them speak...flickr

Well I was thinking front Boxster setup and the rear would be ECS's rear brake upgrade (11inches I think) which is on sale for 249 (they don't sell the carriers separately). I understand the brake bias issue with the balance being changed - but the functionality would still be there right? I am not tracking the car at all.

Just called up Autozone here in MI and they have the front carriers n rotors for the GLI for $170US. Can't go wrong with that. If thats all I need for the front, then I would need the same for the rears right?